Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver fired longtime coach Jack Del Rio on Tuesday after a 3-8 start. Weaver named defensive coordinator Mel Tucker the interim coach and gave general manager Gene Smith a three-year contract extension, putting him in charge of the coaching search.
The timing of the move made sense since the Jaguars are struggling to sell tickets and host a Monday night game against San Diego. The team needs to sell about 9,000 tickets to avoid a local television blackout for a prime-time game.
Making a coaching change could boost sales.
Del Rio leaves with a 69-73 record, including 1-2 in two playoffs appearances. The Jaguars didn't win the AFC South in any of his nine seasons.
Why exactly should the Cowboys care about Del Rio's firing? Well, for one, the Jaguars' replacement could come from the Cowboys' coaching staff, according to a report by ESPN's John Clayton.
"The Jaguars also need someone who can sell tickets," Clayton wrote. "Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Rob Ryan could be near the top of the list.
"The Jaguars could be persuaded that Ryan can do what his twin, Rex, did with the New York Jets: establish a tough defensive mentality and create an environment in which players believe they are winners. The Jags have a good defense and run the ball well with Maurice Jones-Drew. Ryan would need to find the right coordinator to develop Blaine Gabbert and the offense."
Along with his ability to sell tickets, Clayton also cited Ryan's ability to motivate players and "establish an intensity that's been missing" with the Jaguars as reasons that make Ryan an intriguing candidate.
Other potential candidates named in the report include Brian Billick, Jim Mora Jr, Jay Gruden and current interim coach Mel Tucker.
The timing of the move made sense since the Jaguars are struggling to sell tickets and host a Monday night game against San Diego. The team needs to sell about 9,000 tickets to avoid a local television blackout for a prime-time game.
Making a coaching change could boost sales.
Del Rio leaves with a 69-73 record, including 1-2 in two playoffs appearances. The Jaguars didn't win the AFC South in any of his nine seasons.
Why exactly should the Cowboys care about Del Rio's firing? Well, for one, the Jaguars' replacement could come from the Cowboys' coaching staff, according to a report by ESPN's John Clayton.
"The Jaguars also need someone who can sell tickets," Clayton wrote. "Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Rob Ryan could be near the top of the list.
"The Jaguars could be persuaded that Ryan can do what his twin, Rex, did with the New York Jets: establish a tough defensive mentality and create an environment in which players believe they are winners. The Jags have a good defense and run the ball well with Maurice Jones-Drew. Ryan would need to find the right coordinator to develop Blaine Gabbert and the offense."
Along with his ability to sell tickets, Clayton also cited Ryan's ability to motivate players and "establish an intensity that's been missing" with the Jaguars as reasons that make Ryan an intriguing candidate.
Other potential candidates named in the report include Brian Billick, Jim Mora Jr, Jay Gruden and current interim coach Mel Tucker.
